Council on Aging gets new home, rent increase

The North Ottawa County Council on Aging's annual rent to the city will increase by $30,540 next year -- that's a 27-percent increase -- but you won't hear agency officials complaining.

They're jumping for joy.

After years making due in a cramped and out-of-date facility, the council on aging is preparing to move into the renovated and expanded community center, 421 Columbus.

The move will happen in July when a $4.4 million facelift of the building is completed.

The Grand Haven City Council approved a new lease agreement Monday that calls for the agency to pay $3,494 a month, or $41,940 a year, for its space in the community center's lower level.

That's up from $950 a month, or $11,400 a year, at the city annex building, a former firehouse, 18 N. Fifth.

The agency serves Ottawa County residents who are over the age of 60. The agency's operations, including a meals-on-wheels program, tax preparation and prescription drug assistance, is covered by a millage.

For the complete story, return to Mlive.com on Tuesday, or pick up a copy of Tuesday's Muskegon Chronicle.